Appropriations committee warns of looming water crisis if municipalities fail to pay their bills

By Nkhensani Chauke

The Standing Committee on Appropriations has warned of a potential collapse of water boards within six to 12 months due to unpaid municipal debts.

This follows the committee’s meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation on Tuesday regarding the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

Chairperson of the committee, Mmusi Maimane, warned that water boards could collapse within the next three years, forcing the committee to consider costly bailouts.

“We will wake up one day in three years’ time with collapsed water boards and this committee will be faced with approving more of these costly bailouts,” Maimane said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation reminded municipalities that they are responsible for providing water to households, while the department supports them in executing water and sanitation services.

The Department highlighted that municipal nonpayment for water services was a critical issue, leading to untreated water, poor sanitation, and neglected infrastructure maintenance.